WILLEMSTAD - The Ombudsman of Curaçao has issued a scathing report concluding that the Inspectorate for Public Health (Inspectie voor de Volksgezondheid) failed severely in handling a complaint against surgeon Michel Berry.

The Inspectorate, which operates under the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), reportedly ignored a formal complaint from patient Marveline M. for more than six years.

According to the Ombudsman, this delay was “unreasonably long and in violation of the principles of good governance.” In the report, delivered to M. on September 8, 2025, the Inspectorate’s conduct was officially labeled as improper. The GMN Minister has been instructed to ensure that the Inspectorate provides a substantive response to the 2019 complaint within six weeks.

Failed Bowel Surgery

M. filed her complaint after a failed bowel surgery performed by Berry in 2017, during which a ureter was damaged. The medical insurer Medirisk later acknowledged that post-operative care was inadequate and offered €5,000 in compensation for pain and suffering. M. rejected the offer, arguing that it did not reflect the lasting impact of her injuries.

The Ombudsman’s report sharply criticizes the Inspectorate for demonstrating “a serious lack of empathy and insufficient regard for the human dimension.” By remaining silent for six years, the government, the report says, failed in its duty to treat citizens seriously and respectfully.

The Ombudsman also recommended that the ministry ensure all public service employees are required to inform citizens promptly and adequately about the progress of their cases.

In response, Inspector Sirving Keli acknowledged that the investigation “has indeed taken considerable time” but stated that it has not yet been concluded.

Disciplinary Action Against Berry

The Ombudsman’s findings come as surgeon Michel Berry was once again found guilty of negligent conduct by the Medical Disciplinary Board (Medisch Tuchtcollege). The renewed disciplinary ruling has further intensified scrutiny of the Health Inspectorate’s oversight and accountability.